Teachers and youth workers will be learning how to plan celebrations for next February’s LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) History Month, at a special event at the British Museum on Thursday November 19.

Co-chair Tony Fenwick said:
"It’s a real coup to be working with the British Museum, and to have speeches from two ministers. The evening reception has already sold out, but we still have tickets available for the training in the afternoon."

Pioneering teachers and youth workers will be sharing their experiences of introducing LGBT History Month into their organisations.

Primary teacher John Harold will describe the opera project he did with his class, based on the true story of a couple of gay penguins in a New York zoo, who raised a chick.

Elly Barnes will talk about how she introduced LGBT History Month into her school:
"I knew I couldn’t change the whole school in one go, so I just started in my own subject. The students really welcomed the opportunity to discuss the issues it raised. The following year, we rolled it out across the whole school.

"It’s only ignorance that causes homophobia - once educated, attitudes do change. My school is proof of this."

The event takes place during Anti Bullying Week. Co-chair Sue Sanders explained the link:
"Our goal is to remove the stigma from LGBT identities by raising our visibility, particularly among young people. Only then can we hope to foster a youth culture free from the homophobia and transphobia that currently blight our schools."

Anyone who works with young people can book a free ticket for the training event at: www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk